VistaJet Global Stops In Dubai On Sales Tour

VistaJet’s Global 6000 visited MEBA as it neared the end of a 12-city tour throughout Asia.

One of VistaJet’s Bombardier Global 6000 business jets made a brief stop here at the MEBA show on Monday as part of a 12-city promotional tour. The itinerary began in London on December 2 and has included visits to Hong Kong, Beijing, Vladivostok (Russia), Ulan Bator (Mongolia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Moscow, Kiev, Delhi and Mumbai.

The aircraft was due to fly on to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday before returning to London after a stop in Istanbul. The block charter operator is due to conduct a tour of 12 or more African cities in February.

Last month VistaJet, which is headquartered in Switzerland, announced firm orders for 56 Bombardier Globals, with options for up to another 86. The deal is worth up to $7.8 billion at list prices. Deliveries of the latest batch of aircraft under firm order are due to begin in January 2014 and run through the end of 2017. The aircraft covered by the new contact comprise 25 Global 5000s (plus options for 40 more), 25 Global 6000s (plus 40 options) and six Global 8000s (plus six options).

Thomas Flohr, VistaJet founder and chairman, told AIN that all new aircraft purchases are being funded from cash flow. He reported that the company has been achieving year-on-year flight revenue growth of about 25 percent in every year since it was launched seven years ago.

The new long-range, large-cabin business jets will be deployed in growth markets, including Russia, China, the Middle East and Africa. VistaJet plans to tap the U.S. market by offering intercontinental flights for clients on the East and West coasts.

The operator recently took delivery of its 50th airplane in its all-Bombardier fleet and has about 30 in service today. From four previous deals signed with the Canadian airframer, the operator is still due to receive 11 Learjet 85s, seven Global Express jets (due to arrive in 2013) and a mix of the new Global 7000 and 8000 aircraft (in 2017). The average age of VistaJet’s fleet is just under two years. The company replaces its jets after three to four years of service, while they still have 12 to 18 months remaining on their warranties.